Reviving a nameplate: Dodge to sell all-new Dart

Dodge has announced (and released partial-image teaser photos of) its all-new four-door Dart sedan, set to enter the compact-car segment for the 2013 model year. The Dart name — launched in the 1960 model year — is being revived after decades. (Chrysler Group Photo)

Dodge announced it will be reviving an old nameplate — Dart — an all-new four-door sedan set to enter the compact-car segment for the 2013 model year. The Dart was a popular Dodge built in North America from 1960-1976.

The all-new Dart will be the first Chrysler Group vehicle based upon a Fiat architecture — adapted from the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. Dodge says it will deliver “class-leading” aerodynamics.

“The Giulietta is renowned for satisfying the most demanding customers in terms of road-holding, agility and safety, with exceptional driving dynamics,” Dodge reports. “The Dart leverages all of these attributes within a lengthened and widened platform delivering segment-leading levels of interior roominess.

“The all-new Compact U.S. Wide architecture underpinning the Dart is a state-of-the-art architecture with an industry-leading 68 percent of the body composed of high-strength steel, resulting in a very strong and rigid structure. Combined with responsive steering, four-wheel independent suspension, and available 18-inch wheels, the Dart brings fun back to driving in the compact-car segment.”

Dodge reports its 2013 Dart will be powered by three “fuel-efficient, powerful” four-cylinder engines: Tigershark, a new 16-valve 2.0-liter engine; a 16-valve 1.4-liter MultiAir Intercooled Turbo engine; and a new Tigershark 16-valve 2.4-liter MultiAir four-cylinder engine.

The all-new Dodge Dart will be made in America, at Chrysler Group’s Belvidere Assembly Plant in Belvidere, Ill.

Your thoughts on this Fiat-based 2013 Dodge Dart? Do you think reviving the Dart name is a good idea? Have you ever owned a Dart?